More Complaining
and Explaining
onandonandon
And here we go... Because of those hours and that obligation of bus person, not only was I constantly sleep deprived (even though I got used to it) but I also stopped exercising, because I couldn't ride my bike to school, missed many opportunities to become more involved through the different afterschool programs, and most importantly, missed out on all the meetings the principle held at those times. I also found out later that there was a 'happy hour' meet up on Fridays and I always missed out on that. I didn't even think of going after I got done with the bus because I was just so tired, but I didn't know about it at the time anyway.
I rarely got to read my school emails, and just barely got signed up in time to participate in the school secret santa. But I didn't get to attend the meet and greet reveal. I gave great gifts, and received pretty crappy ones, and I think there's a lesson in there somewhere... I felt like I was always rushing around to catch up with the class, and because Jewel, the student, was not able to participate in certain activities, I was not invited on the field trips (they should have rotated that too), or to any off campus event, or to anything in the auditorium, like the plays they'd preview for the students. We were really isolated left alone in a windowless classroom.
This all changed dramatically when I was transferred to Mrs. Capra's class after Spring Break. It was not easier at all, as far as actual work, it was more demanding. But the atmosphere was lighter, we took turns working with all the kids, not the same one every day, they actually gave us our two fifteen minute breaks we were supposed to have, the communication was more clear and open, and best of all, I got to participate in the field trips. They weren't easy either, but it is so nice to get away from the class and change the scenery. Field trips are important. I like them.
The meeting with the VP explaining what my teacher had said about me made me feel disabled and dysfunctional. I felt like I wasn't given the right information and tools to do my job, and then was chastised for it. But it did motivate me to try and form a relationship with another teacher whom I had previously thought disliked me. She helped me do some basic stuff that I think the boss could have easily prepared and passed on in the very beginning. We set up a schedule and a check list so that Jewel could have a clearly written guide to what was expected of her in order to earn rewards and be as confident as possible that she was doing what was necessary to achieve some success in school. I was also keeping very detailed notes in binders recording what preceded meltdowns and what activities were challenging, and what was successful. I came back from a long weekend and Sullivan had erased my whiteboard of daily tasks and information for the student. I was floored. What was that all about? He said he didn't want the board to become 'stained'. Huh. The other class had a schedule on their board all year long. The class ended up being moved to a different school anyway. He Never used that whiteboard, only the main room one. It was bullsh*t. Just another example of passive aggressive behavior. Oh, also? He saw me reading a book about clutter clearing and stated, Oh, that book is much too difficult for you. What? And he gave me a different one he said he liked. I was like, Thanks for the gift?? Boy, I really have a lot of built up bitter memories. I need more posts to expel these 'daemons'. Good night and God Bless.
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